Council has been named ‘Best Project’ winner at the prestigious RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) Northern Ireland Awards for Planning Excellence 2026, in recognition of the St Ronan’s College, Lurgan Project.
The award, announced at last week’s RTPI Welcome Celebration Event at Ulster University Belfast, recognises the council’s key role in the transformation of St Ronan’s College, delivering a high-quality learning environment alongside community-accessible amenities, sustainable infrastructure and inclusive placemaking. It acknowledges the council’s collaborative and proactive approach in dealing with planning, environmental and infrastructure issues, helping to keep the application process running smoothly and resolve complex technical matters.
Delivered in partnership with Resolve Planning, the landmark £56 million project, funded by the Department of Education, has created a single, state-of-the-art campus on Cornakinnegar Road, bringing together three former colleges to accommodate up to 1,750 pupils. The new college opened in May 2026 and is now the second-largest post-primary school in Northern Ireland.
Welcoming the award, the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mary O’Dowd said:
“We are absolutely delighted to receive this honour at the RTPI Northern Ireland Awards for Planning Excellence. It is a clear testament to the skill, expertise and dedication of our Planning department, and reflects the strong partnership approach that made the redevelopment of St Ronan’s College possible.
“This project has delivered a modern, sustainable learning environment with facilities that benefit both the school and the wider community. It shows how good planning can support education, wellbeing and placemaking, while also meeting high environmental standards. This is something the whole council can be very proud of.”
The project received high praise from the judges, commenting:
“The project was a collaboration between many stakeholders with community support, and has resulted in an exemplary school, which has set a very high benchmark. [It is] an excellent example of a school development, which has successfully dealt with a range of current planning challenges.”
The St Ronan’s College, Lurgan Project is now a finalist in the National Awards for Planning Excellence, due to take place later this year.
The RTPI Northern Ireland Awards for Planning Excellence celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact in planning across the region. Learn more about these awards click here.
